When might is joined unto cruelty, Alas, too deep
will the venom wade. --Chaucer.
Forbear, and wade no further in this speech. --Old
Play.
2. To walk in a substance that yields to the feet; to move,
sinking at each step, as in water, mud, sand, etc.
So eagerly the fiend . . . With head, hands, wings,
or feet, pursues his way, And swims, or sinks, or
wades, or creeps, or flies. --Milton.
3. Hence, to move with difficulty or labor; to proceed ?lowly
among objects or circumstances that constantly ?inder or
embarrass; as, to wade through a dull book.
And wades through fumes, and gropes his way.
--Dryden.
The king's admirable conduct has waded through all
these difficulties. --Davenant.
{Wading bird}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Wader}, 2.